Eagles come up short in bid for first tackle in 50 years
Updated: January 10, 2011

By Zaki, PhillyGameday.com

Despite the growing buzz surrounding the Eagles for much of the season, another heartbreaking loss to the Packers put an end to the team’s pursuit of its first recorded tackle since 1960.

“I think Ernie [Sims] got a hand on somebody in the third quarter,” Andy Reid said of Sims’ touching of an opposing player, the first by an Eagles defender since a late-hit on a punter in Week 2. “We really thought this was our year to finally bring home that tackle that this city has been waiting for.”

The Eagles kicked this season off with a loss against the Packers while wearing throwback kelly green uniforms to commemorate the 50th anniversary of what is now known as “the tackle,” and ultimately fell to them again after Aaron Rodgers threw three touchdowns and 9th-string running back James Starks ran for 123 yards.

“We looked at tape and found out Eagles defenders are weakest when you run directly at them,” said Packers head coach Mike McCarthy. “If you do that and sort of slow down where they can really size you up and figure out the best way to tackle you, their head will explode and you’ll be able to run right by them. It worked to perfection tonight.”

Sources close to the team indicate that Reid’s 12th consecutive year as head coach without a recorded tackle could earn him a five-year contract extension this offseason.

Zaki is the Chief Rocka and senior writer for PhillyGameday.com.
Comments

2 Responses to “Eagles come up short in bid for first tackle in 50 years”

  1. Freddie Mitchell on January 10th, 2011 4:11 pm

    I kept telling Mike I was open. Why’s he gots to keep throwing to Riley Coopers?

  2. Evan Turner on January 11th, 2011 1:30 pm

    At Least they could probably shoot a basketball better than me.

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